Chapter 20: The Ultimate Final Stand

Tabuu- Finally! For the first time in 1,000 years, I am free. And now…for the end of your world…

Tabuu let loose a small fraction of his power and the entire planet shook more violently than when Nazo changed into Perfect Nazo.

Tabuu- Was that me? He he. Sometimes I forget that I'm too strong for this world.

Perfect Nazo flew up to Tabuu.

Perfect Nazo- Now that you are free from the confines of Subspace, it's time that you hold up your end of the deal.

Tabuu- Oh?

Perfect Nazo- Yeah, the agreement was I helped you escape from your prison and you return my body's life force, so that my body is no longer a walking corpse.

Tabuu- Oh, right…I remember now. To be brutally honest…I don't think you deserve it anymore.

Perfect Nazo- What the ****! We had an agreement! I got you the Master Emerald and the Star Rod! I got those idiotic fools, Doctor Eggman and Bowser, to build that portal machine so you could escape! You wouldn't have gotten free if it wasn't for me!

Tabuu- And you would be dead if it wasn't for me. You were obliterated by an energy blast that exploded in space and left for dead when I found you. And even if I was the one who brought you back to life, you would've refused to assist me if I had given your body its life force. Not to mention, you struggled to find where the Star Rod was kept. And you would've ripped Bowser's head off before he told you where Star Haven was if I hadn't of stopped you. And then there's the fact that you tried to use an energy attack that would've risked blowing everything up. You have served me well, far better than anyone else has in the last 1,000 years, even more so than I was originally expecting, but you're too reckless and nearly denied my orders.

Perfect Nazo- You…BASTARD!

Perfect Nazo created an energy ball and aimed it at Tabuu. Tabuu just stood there, or floated because they are in the air, and kept his arms folded while keeping that grin on his face.

Tabuu- Sorry, Nazo, but you'll die before you get your chance to fight me.

Suddenly, the mark on Perfect Nazo's palm shattered to pieces and faded away. The energy ball Perfect Nazo created faded away and his body began to twitch a bit. Then Perfect Nazo fell from the sky and crashed into the ground level of Grand Metropolis below the top of the portal machine.

Perfect Nazo- W…wh…what…di…d…you…

Tabuu- Nothing really. Remember that small sample of my power was what was keeping you alive? I told you it would only last for a week and your time is up. Now you can die with the rest of the trash.

Perfect Nazo- No…I…can't…let…it…end…like…this…

Perfect Nazo's body stopped moving and his eyes just closed.

Cape Mario- That's low! Even for someone like you, Tabuu!

Tabuu turned to look at Cape Mario and the others.

Tabuu- Mario! To be honest, I almost forgot you were all here. So good to see you again. As you can see, we're destoned to clash just like I did with your ancestor.

Cape Mario- You black hearted evil monster! I'm starting to see why my ancestor locked you up and threw away the key!

Hyper Shadic- Black hearted is an understatement. Nazo was a cruel, ruthless, and soulless monster, but even he didn't deserve what you did to him!

Tabuu teleported from the air and to the top of the portal machine and was standing directly in front of Cape Mario, Hyper Shadic, and Cape Luigi. Tabuu moved his face a little closer to them and gave them an unusual grin.

Tabuu- He outlived his usefulness, so he was worthless to me now. Besides, you know that Nazo is too dangerous to let loose in either of your worlds. If Nazo's life was in your hands, you would've killed him without hesitation or giving a second thought. In fact Hyper Shadic, you did eight years ago.

Tails and Professor E. Gadd pointed their machines at Tabuu and tried to measure his power.

Tails- Guys…this looks bad! Tabuu's power is even greater than the last time we met him!

Professor E. Gadd- I've never seen numbers this high and it's still rising!

Suddenly, their mini computers exploded and fell apart.

Tabuu- Please. My power, even if I'm not at 100% yet, if far too great to measure.

Cape Mario- I don't care how powerful of a god you are! You've mentioned how my ancestor defeated you to death and that shows that you can be beaten…even by mortals! Beside, Sonic and I have beaten you as a team before and who's to say we can't do it again!

Tabuu- You stupid fool! You think you can take ONE TENTH!

Then Tabuu let out a great force of energy from his body and it made some kind of g-force wind that knocked everyone around him to the ground. Cape Mario, Cape Luigi, and Hyper Shadic were knocked against a building a bit of distance away from the portal machine. Even after they crashed against the side of the building, they were still being pushed by the force of Tabuu's power.

Cape Luigi- You and…your big mouth…Mario…

When the force of Tabuu's power stopped, Cape Mario, Cape Luigi, and Hyper Shadic fell from the side of the building and crashed to the ground floor of Grand Metropolis. Cape Mario and Cape Luigi struggled to get back up, but Hyper Shadic was nowhere to be seen for some reason. Suddenly, Tabuu appeared floating just above.

Tabuu- Last we met, I had only recovered 50% of my full strength and even that was too much for you alone. Now I've gotten myself to 80%. Fair warning, this level of power was enough to bring your ancestor to his knees before his pathetic friends all jumped in.

Suddenly, Tabuu was hit with an energy wave from behind. When Tabuu turned around, he saw Hyper Shadic.

Tabuu- Hyper Shadic, this should be interesting. Never in all the many centuries I've lived through have I ever seen anything like you. Two hedgehogs, Sonic and Shadow, fused into one body. Tell me, what's it like for the two of you to share one body?

Hyper Shadic- It would take far too long to explain, so you'll have to figure it out some other time!

Hyper Shadic disappeared using his speed and tried to hit Tabuu with a spin dash attack. Tabuu made a slight step to the right at the last minute and dodged Hyper Shadic's spin dash. Hyper Shadic quickly stopped spinning and tried to punch Tabuu. But Tabuu grabbed hold of Hyper Shadic's left arm when the first was less than an inch away from Tabuu's face.

Tabuu- I'll admit, your combined speed when you fuse is greater than my speed, but that doesn't mean I can't keep up with your movements and predict you moves. If only your intelligence would also increase when you fuse. Now let me show you just how hopeless fighting me truly is. Observe.

Then Tabuu gently flicked his finger with his free hand against Hyper Shadic's left arm and suddenly the bones in Shadic's left arm began to crack a bit (not broken). Hyper Shadic screamed in pain and fell to his knees while holding his left arm. Meanwhile, Cape Mario and Cape Luigi got back up.

Cape Luigi- Mario, this is a nightmare. I don't think I've ever been this terrified in my life.

Cape Mario- I agree with that. He almost broke Hyper Shadic's arm like a twig with just a mere snap of his finger.

Hyper Shadic stretched his arm back together and got himself back up.

Hyper Shadic- How can you be this powerful?!

Tabuu- I've already told you all before, I am a god. But I'm not ordinary god. My father was the ruler of all the gods all across the universe. That's why he was given the title "Lord of the Universe", but I don't know if he still has that title now a day. He trained me and my twin brother when we were kids and we both rose to the ranking of S ranked gods before long.

Cape Luigi- Rankings?

Tabuu- Yes. You see, all of us gods are ranked by how powerful we are. S rank is the highest there is. But even among most of the other S ranked gods, my brother and I were far superior to them.

Hyper Shadic quickly rushed up to Tabuu and fired the same energy attack that killed Nazo at the end of Nazo Unleashed part 3. However, when the smoke cleared, Tabuu was still standing. He did have what looked like a small wound of his chest, but it looked minor.

Tabuu- You seem to have more power than I thought, Hyper Shadic. I guess this fusion technique is more powerful than it appears. That actually manages to hurt me. A blast like that might've ended Nazo eight years ago, but as you can see, it barely made a dent in me. Your power is closer to being equal to Perfect Nazo's power than mine. And as you can clearly see, the gap between our powers is far too great. You can't win.

Hyper Shadic- Maybe so…but I'm too stubborn to know when I'm beat!

Tabuu- Too bad for you…

Then Tabuu punched Hyper Shadic in the face and knocked him straight through a large building like it was a house of cards.

Tabuu- Now I wonder if when Hyper Shadic gets hurt, does the pain double? After all, you are Sonic and Shadow fused into one body.

Hyper Shadic crawls out of the rubble, spits out some blood, and got himself back up. Cape Mario punched Tabuu's face with a right hook, but Tabuu didn't look like he was hurt at all, even if his head was now turned to the right with Cape Mario's right fist still on his face. To make things even worse, the bones in Cape Mario's right fist almost broke on contact. Tabuu's eyes moved to look at Cape Mario.

Tabuu- Is that all you got, Mario? Your ancestor put up a better fight than that.

Tabuu tried to punch Cape Mario, but Cape Luigi was able to push his brother out of the way just in time to avoid Tabuu's attack.

Cape Mario- Thanks I guess, Luigi.

Suddenly, a set of rainbow colored wings appeared on Tabuu's back.

Tabuu- This is starting to get a little boring. As much as I crave vengeance and want to enjoy it, I feel that there's no point in dragging this out any longer. I'm sure you all remember what happens when I show my wings.

Tabuu built up some of his energy. Cape Mario, Cape Luigi, and Hyper Shadic had a horrified look on their face. They were obviously scared, but they charged for Tabuu regardless, trying to stop Tabuu from charging his attack, but their attacks were doing nothing to hurt Tabuu.

Tabuu- You really are just like your ancestor. Refusing to admit defeat even when the writing's on the wall. How unfortunate…

Suddenly, Tabuu waved his rainbow colored wings and a huge burst of energy was shot out from Tabuu's body. Cape Mario, Cape Luigi, and Hyper Shadic were caught up in that attack and at close range. After that attack hit them, the energy turned into a mushroom cloud explosion. When the explosion faded, Cape Mario and Cape Luigi were knocked back to regular Mario and Luigi. Hyper Shadic didn't fare well either. Hyper Shadic separated back into Sonic and Shadow. The four of them were lying on the ground and looking badly wounded. So much blood was staining the ground. Sonic and Mario struggled to get up as Tabuu slowly walked towards them.

Tabuu- Don't waste your energy getting up to continue fighting a battle you know you can't win.

(At the top of the portal machine)

The rest of Mario and Sonic's friends were watching in horror as Tabuu was making Mario, Luigi, Sonic, and Shadow look like defenseless children. Knuckles dropped on his hands and knees.

Knuckles- I…I can't believe this is happening! As much as I hate to admit defeat, this seems completely hopeless!

Princess Peach- Knuckles! You can't just give up!

Amy- I'm sorry, princess, but even I can't see any way they can beat Tabuu.

Wario- Had I of known this was the end, I would've eaten more garlic pizzas.

Rouge- And I would've smothered myself in all of my jewels.

Princess Peach- How can you all say that?! I've seen Mario pull through when things seemed hopeless! You can't just give up on them!

Silver- Believe me when I say we don't want to, but even Hyper Shadic was beaten down by Tabuu and that was our best chance at beating him.

Princess Peach looked and saw Perfect Nazo's body still lying on the ground. Then she turned around and saw the Star Rod still placed in the controls of the portal machine. Princess Peach rushed to the controls and throttled with the Star Rod until it and the Master Emerald came out.

Yoshi- What princess doing?

Princess Peach- I have one idea. It's risky, but it's better than doing nothing.

(Back over on the ground level of Grand Metropolis)

Tabuu was still moving closer to Mario, Sonic, Luigi, and Shadow. They were obviously hurt, but they barely manage to get back up and they took a fighting pose, still ready to fight.

Tabuu- It's impressive that you manage to survive my deadliest attack, but it defiantly took its toll on you all. You're weak. You're tired. You're wounded. …You're pathetic!

Then Tabuu made those rainbow colored wings appear on his back again and began charging up his energy.

Tabuu- When you see your ancestor in the next world, tell him that all the hard work him and his ****ing team did to keep my in check had failed miserably! Goodbye Super Mario Brothers…

Just as Tabuu was close to fully charging his attack, a black energy ball blasted Tabuu in the face and knocked him against the wall of a building a few feet back. Mario, Sonic, Luigi, and Shadow looked where the energy ball came from and to their surprise was Perfect Nazo holding the Star Rod in his hand.

Perfect Nazo- If anyone is going to kill Sonic…it's going to be me.

Sonic- Nazo?

Mario- Why did you just help up?

Shadow- More importantly, how are you standing if Tabuu didn't return your body's life force?!

Perfect Nazo- Your girlfriend in the pink dress made a deal with me. She uses the Star Rod to restore my body's life force and in return…I help you take down Tabuu. I do hate you, Sonic and Shadow. Stopping me from destroying Mobius and killing me eight years ago. And you Mario Brothers are just as much as a pain in my ass as they are. But after how Tabuu betrayed me like that…that I hate him even more. But don't get any ideas! Just because I'm agreeing to work with you doesn't mean we're buddy-buddy! Once Tabuu is taken care of, this truce is over.

Tabuu got up and whipped the blood from his face.

Tabuu- You ungrateful traitor!

Perfect Nazo- You betrayed me first you ****ing bastard. Here, Mario. Catch.

Perfect Nazo tossed the Star Rod to Mario and Mario caught it.

Mario- You're giving me the Star Rod?

Perfect Nazo- Your princess told me to. Even though I agreed to help fight Tabuu, she doesn't trust me with it.

Mario- Fine. Sonic, Shadow, you first. We'll need you as Hyper Shadic for this.

Mario used the Star Rod to fully restore Sonic and Shadow's ring and energy supply and healed all of their wounds. Sonic and Shadow transformed into Super Sonic and Super Shadow after that.

Super Sonic and Super Shadow- CHAOS CONTROL!

Then a rainbow colored light surrounded them and there Hyper Shadic stood in their place.

Hyper Shadic- Good to have my power back, but what about you and Luigi?

Luigi- Are you gonna give us the magic cape again?

Mario- No, Luigi. I think we need the power of our most powerful super power. The power of the red star power up item.

Mario lifted the Star Rod above his head and two red stars fell from the sky and crashed into Mario and Luigi. After a flash of red light, Mario and Luigi had transformed into Ultra Mario and Ultra Luigi.

Ultra Mario- Ultra Mario!

Ultra Luigi- And Ultra Luigi!

Hyper Shadic- I'm impressed. You appear to be as powerful as both of my halves when they just turn super in that form.

Perfect Nazo- Really? I don't see anything special about them. Only thing I notice is their clothes changed from red and green to black.

Ultra Mario- Oh, you'll see.

Tabuu dashed for Ultra Mario and Ultra Luigi, but they not only dodged, they flew away. Then Tabuu saw that his fist was stuck in the ground. Before he could get it out, Hyper Shadic and Nazo hit Tabuu with an uppercut and knocked him high into the air. Tabuu caught himself and fired a laser beam from his eyes at Hyper Shadic and Perfect Nazo, but they dodged it. Then Tabuu saw Ultra Mario and Ultra Luigi launch a fully charged white fireball from above and tried to block it with his arms. After the fully charged white fireballs hit, Tabuu's arms were glowing red as steam was coming from them. Tabuu began to blow on them.

Tabuu- OWCH! That burned! OOOH! Hot!

Then Ultra Mario and Ultra Luigi each made a punch on Tabuu's chest and the sound of broken rips was heard.

Tabuu- **** this!

Tabuu flew higher above the ground and made those rainbow colored wings appear again.

Tabuu- Now die!

Then a burst of energy was launched from Tabuu's body and was heading straight for them. Then Hyper Shadic and Perfect Nazo fired the same energy attacks they used as their endgame at the last scene of Nazo Unleashed part 3 to block Tabuu's attack. Their energy attacks were pushing back Tabuu's attack, but not by much.

Perfect Nazo- What are you Mario Brothers waiting for, a personalized invitation?! Strike now!

Then Ultra Mario and Ultra Luigi saw that Tabuu was actually left wide open while performing that attack and rushed in. Before Tabuu even knew it, Ultra Mario and Ultra Luigi decked Tabuu in the face and knocked him to the ground.

Perfect Nazo- To be honest, I'm really surprised we're winning!

Hyper Shadic- It's called teamwork. It's our greatest weapon and it's the reason why we kept kicking your ass earlier.

Perfect Nazo- Watch it, Shadic.

Tabuu spat out a little bit of blood and got back up.

Perfect Nazo- Word of advice, Tabuu. Next time you plan of double-crossing someone, you shouldn't share some of your weaknesses with them.

Tabuu- So it's just like what happened in the Mushroom Kingdom 1,000 years ago when I fought the original Mario Brothers. I was winning until further help arrived for them. I'm not usually the type to lose my cool, but I have waited far too long for this. I refuse to lose…even if it means taking…EXTREME MEASURES!

Suddenly, negative energy was being sucked out of both the Chaos Emeralds and the Star Rod.

Ultra Luigi- What's going on?!

Ultra Mario- He's absorbing energy from the Star Rod and the emeralds!

Tabuu- Did you think you were the only ones who could absorb energy from such powerful objects. I might still not be to use 20% of my full power, but I know of a good substitute for that missing 20%!

Suddenly, a black aura surrounded Tabuu as his body began to change. His body turned black, his eyes were now glowing red, and his teeth turned into fangs.

Dark Tabuu- (Roar)

Dark Tabuu unleashed some of his new power and the force blew Ultra Mario, Hyper Shadic, Ultra Luigi, and Perfect Nazo into the air a bit.

Ultra Luigi- It just never seems to end!

Ultra Mario- It doesn't matter how much more powerful Tabuu makes himself! I know we can win if we keep working together!

Perfect Nazo- That's pretty corny, Mario. But we've been doing good so far.

Hyper Shadic- Either way, this battle will be one for the history books.

Hyper Shadic and Perfect Nazo fired an energy wave at Dark Tabuu, but an energy shield appeared and blocked it. Dark Tabuu laughed like a mad beast as he spat out an energy attack through the shield and almost hit them.

Ultra Mario- That shield will be a problem. I better take care of it.

When Dark Tabuu fired that attack again, Ultra Mario dodged it and jumped into a small rift in the energy shield before it closed. Perfect Nazo noticed what Ultra Mario was doing so he also jumped in through the rift to get inside Dark Tabuu's energy shield. When Dark Tabuu saw that Ultra Mario and Perfect Nazo got passed his shield, he fired a laser out his glowing red eyes at them. Ultra Mario and Perfect Nazo dodge the attack. Then Ultra Mario fired a fully charged white fireball at Dark Tabuu. Dark Tabuu blocked with his arm, but then Perfect Nazo came out of the smoke and punched Dark Tabuu in the face. Dark Tabuu fell to the ground and the energy shield disappeared. But before Ultra Mario or Perfect Nazo could celebrate, Dark Tabuu turned his hands into giant black claws and they each grabbed Ultra Mario and Perfect Nazo. They tried to break free, but Dark Tabuu's grip was too tight. Dark Tabuu was about to use that laser eye trick again, but Ultra Luigi hit Dark Tabuu with a perfectly timed Super Jump Punch from behind. Dark Tabuu screamed in pain as he also let go of Ultra Mario and Perfect Nazo. Dark Tabuu tried to attack Ultra Luigi for that, but Hyper Shadic knocked him away with a spin dash attack. This was making Dark Tabuu really angry.

Dark Tabuu- (ROAR)

Then these rainbow colored wings appeared and Dark Tabuu was beginning to charge up his energy.

Perfect Nazo- I think I know what's coming next!

Ultra Luigi- But can we stop it this time?

Ultra Mario- Only one way to find out.

Hyper Shadic- Don't worry, Mario. I'll stick with you until the end of this.

Ultra Mario- Thanks, Hyper Shadic.

Then Dark Tabuu unleashed a huge burst of energy from his body and it was heading straight at them. Ultra Mario and Ultra Luigi fired a fully charged white fireball and gave it all the power they had left. Hyper Shadic and Perfect Nazo created and energy blast also putting all of their energy into it before firing it. The attacks collided and it looked like neither side was giving in, but the entire area was shaking like crazy.

Dark Tabuu- (ROAR)

Ultra Mario, Ultra Luigi, Hyper Shadic, and Perfect Nazo- AAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!

Suddenly, almost all of Grand Metropolis was covered in a bright light as everyone was engulfed in it. When it faded the sun began to rise as if on que. Most of the city was demolished. Ultra Mario and Ultra Luigi where changed back into normal Mario and Luigi. Hyper Shadic had separated back into Sonic and Shadow. Perfect Nazo was changed back into regular Nazo. And Dark Tabuu was changed back into his normal form too. All six of them were lying on the ground, completely exhausted and wounded. Just then, the rest of Mario and Sonic's friends rushed in.

Yoshi- Tabuu monster beaten! Mario Brothers saved us!

Tails- Is it really over?

Then Tabuu's body began to move.

Tabuu- You…foolish mortals! I am a god and no matter what you do, you can't kill me. Cut off my head, I'll put it back on! Yank out my heart, I'll grow another one! Obliterate my body…I'll just regenerate it. You might be able to beat me into the ground, but because I'm immortal, you'll never be rid of me.

Nazo struggled to get back up for a bit and saw the portal machine, surprisingly still standing. Then Nazo got an idea.

Nazo- We might not be able to kill you…but I know how we can get rid of you!

Then Nazo fired a ball of energy at the portal machine and blew it up.

Tabuu- No! What have you done…

Suddenly, a portal opened up behind Tabuu and began sucking him in.

Nazo- If that portal machine brought you here, it can send you back to Subspace. Without it, the curse that was placed on you to never leave Subspace can take hold again.

Tabuu- No! No! NO! NOOOO! I've come too far just to fail!

Tabuu was clinging to the ground with his right hand, but made some kind of energy string come out of his left pinky and left index finger. The energy strings wrapped around Mario and Sonic's wrists.

Tabuu- (Snickers) I might've failed today, but I won't return to Subspace empty handed! I'll pull Mario and Sonic back with me and when we return to Subspace, I'll rip their heads off! Finally, my revenge against the Mario Brothers!

Suddenly, a boomerang appeared out of nowhere and managed to cut the energy strings.

Tabuu- What the…

Then three bolts of lightning and what looked like a sword beat attack and an arrow made of light were shot at Tabuu's right hand, forcing Tabuu to let go of the ground. Than a huge bolder was thrown at Tabuu, knocking him into the portal back into Subspace.

Tabuu- This can't be happening! NOOOO!

Then the portal closed and Tabuu was locked away in Subspace once again.

Nazo- Now if you'll excuse me, I'll take my leave. I've used up all my strength fighting Tabuu and I'll need some time to recuperate. But the next time we meet, I can't guarantee we'll be on the same side.

Then Nazo uses Chaos Control to teleport away. Tails, Knuckles, Silver, and Amy rushed to Sonic and helped him up.

Tails- Sonic, no time for sleep! You and Mario just won!

Sonic- …Tails…

Knuckles- That's Sonic for you! Really awesome job out there!

E-123 Omega and Rouge helped Shadow get up.

Shadow- Did we do it…is it finally over…

Rouge- Yes, Shadow. It is.

Yoshi, Toad, Wario, Professor E. Gadd, and Princess Peach rushed to Mario and Luigi and helped them get up.

Luigi- Mario…let's never do something like that again, please.

Mario- We can only hope, Luigi. We can only hope.

Toad- Hey guys, I remember seeing something strange right before Tabuu was sucked back into Subspace. A boomerang suddenly appeared and cut the energy strings Tabuu tried to use to pull Mario and Sonic into Subspace with him. Where did it come from?

Sonic- Perhaps it came from one of them.

Mario- Could you explain?

Sonic- When Shadow and I fused into Hyper Shadic, I picked up a few of Shadow's thoughts. Apparently, Shadow noticed there were seven individuals following us ever since we entered Grand Metropolis.

Mario- Who's there? It's ok to show yourselves. We won't hurt you.

Suddenly, out from behind a corner of what was left of one huge building in Grand Metropolis came seven people who Mario recognized.

Mario- You guys?!

Link- It's been awhile, Mario.

Sonic- Mario, you know them?

Mario- Yes. If Tabuu said my ancestor built a team, then I guess you can consider them my team. The huge and strong gorilla, Donkey Kong. The swordsman clouded in green with an enchanted black, Link. The pink Star Warrior from planet Popstar, Kirby. The talented Poke'mon Trainer, Ash Ketchum. The brilliant Tasmanian tiger with a boomerang, Ty the Tasmanian Tiger. A noble servant of the goddess Palutena, Pit the angel. And the beautiful half human half genie dancer, Shantae.

Shantae- You're too kind, Mario.

Mario- If you don't mind me asking, why are you all here?

Donkey Kong- Like you said, we're your team.

Ty- There's no way we're gonna let some monster hurt our mates.

Ash- You can thank Pit for that. When the world merge happened, Pit rounded us all up and we've followed you from the shadows until we were needed.

Pit- Well in all fairness, it was Lady Palutena's idea and I just followed it through.

Mario almost broke into tears.

Mario- Thank you, all of you. I guess I'm lucky to have a team of friends like you.

Sonic- Maybe there's room for one more.

Tails- Sonic?

Sonic- Mario, remember when you asked me if I was part of your team and I said I wasn't sure? Well I think I've made my decision. I would be happy to be part of your team.

Mario- You sure, Sonic?

Sonic- Tabuu has already marked me and we all know how powerful that bastard is. There's no way I could beat him alone.

Luigi- Not to be rude, but how can you stay part of the team if we come from different worlds?

Mario looked at the Star Rod still in his hands and got an idea.

Mario- Perhaps before I use the Star Rod to return our worlds back to normal, I'll ask the Star Spirits for a little favor.

(In an entirely new dimension)

Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi were standing in a meeting room in their new base of operation.

Luigi- I'm impressed the Star Spirits granted you this request, Mario.

Mario- Well, I guess they owned me a favor or two after everything we've done for them.

Then Ash and Link entered the room and Ash had his Pikachu sitting on his shoulder.

Link- Plus you just saved the world from Tabuu.

Ash- Pikachu really seems to enjoy this place. Right, buddy?

Pikachu- Pikachu!

Sonic and Shantae entered the room.

Sonic- We got everything set up. Now we all can activate portals to this place and come to the aid of anyone on the team that's in need. Even me, despite that my world is separate from yours.

Shantae- And with a little genie magic, precautions have been taken to prevent Tabuu from doing anything to this place.

Then Donkey Kong, Kirby, Ty, and Pit entered the room.

Ty- And we've installed some communicators that can let us contact any one of us if we're in need of some help, mate.

Kirby- Now Tabuu won't even dare show his face again now that we've banded together!

Pit- Sorry to say Kirby, but Tabuu will strike again. There are many other ways he can come after us and/or escape from his prison in Subspace.

Donkey Kong- So what! We've just kicked him out together before! I'm sure we can do it many times over.

Mario- Donkey Kong, I couldn't agree with you more.

Luigi- You know Mario, I think this new HQ needs a name.

Mario- I'll call it Smash City. And as long as we all stand together, we'll have Tabuu on the run!

Mario put his hand out. Then Luigi put his hand on top of Mario. Yoshi put his tail instead of his hand on top of Luigi's hand. Then Donkey Kong put his paw on top of Yoshi's tail. Then Link put his hand on top of Donkey Kong's paw. Then Kirby put his hand on top of Link's hand. Then Ash put his hand on top of Kirby's hand and so did Pikachu. Then Sonic put his hand on top of Ash's hand. Then Ty put his paw on top of Sonic's hand. Then Pit put his hand on top of Ty's paw. And then Shantae put her hand on the top of the stack.

Mysterious voice- (In Mario's head) Well done…Super Mario…

Mario had a confused look on his face.

Sonic- Everything ok, Mario.

Mario- Yeah…I'm fine.

And thus, the new Super Mario Brothers team was finally formed. Mario had put together a band of many strong warriors just like his ancestor before him. However, the true story has hardly begun.

The End